Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Abstract

Sexual harassment is a type of sexual discrimination in the workplace. It includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favor, and sexual conduct that is directed toward a person because of gender (Sexual Harassment in the workplace ‘FAQ). Sexual Harassment includes physical assaults of a sexual nature which includes rape, molestation, and intentional physical conduct which is sexual in nature. It also includes unwanted sexual advances, propositions and other sexual comments which includes sexually oriented gestures, preferential treatment or promise of preferential treatment to an employee and subjecting, or threats of subjecting an employee to unwelcome sexual attention.

There are two recognized types of sexual harassment. Firstly there is the Quid Pro Quo which includes any situation where employment benefits are conditioned upon sexual favors. Secondly is the hostile work environment in which the severe or pervasive conduct causes a hostile, intimidating, or offensive work environment.

Introduction

Sexual harassment is a form of sexual discrimination that violated title VII of the Civil Right Act, a federal law. Title VII makes employment discrimination that is based on sex illegal, but it allows for “bona fide occupational qualification” exceptions which permit an employer to establish certain requirements that employees must meet to hold a job. Title VII applies to all companies with 15 or more employees including state and local governments, employment agencies, labor organizations, and also the federal government.

Sexual harassment tends to have a negative effect on all those involved, most particularly women. Being sexually harassed at work prevents a person from functioning as effective. Many women who are sexually harassed will walk around the office afraid of informing others as to what is going on and will instead get depressed and sometimes quit their job. The working environment will change and may sometimes...